The wedding planner

While trends change over the years, one thing is clear: weddings are here to stay. Whether you’re planning something extravagant or intimate, the choices for venues here in the Upper Delaware River Valley are many, and with spring just around the corner, many couples are exploring their options here. Exchanging vows in the country appeals to residents and visitors alike, and with so many bucolic settings available, there is something for everyone, regardless of budget constraints.

Results of the American Wedding Study (www.weddingindustrystatistics.com) show couples “doing more with less; overall wedding spending has decreased slightly, but there are more events surrounding weddings (double-digit increases for wedding weekends, destination weddings, engagement and bachelorette parties), and the wedding itself incorporates more elements and more personalization than ever before.” In addition, “Couples are blending old with new, preserving select traditions like the first dance and cake-cutting but bidding farewell to sit-down dinners and buffets in favor of cocktail hours and passed hors d’oeuvres.” LGBT weddings are on the rise and “nearly 10% of all weddings feature a man of honor or best woman; 14% of couples are married by a friend or family member ordained for the occasion; and 11% of couples make charitable donations on behalf of their guests.”

This destination guide is a good place to begin your exploration of wedding locations, but with so many choices, it can only serve as a slice or two of the many- tiered cake. After all, your journey down the aisle begins with one small step.

ECCE Bed and Breakfast (www.eccebedandbreakfast.com) located in Barryville, NY provides “panoramic views of the river valley and surrounding mountain ranges of NY and PA from nearly all of the rooms.” Outdoor events can accommodate up to 75 guests and “luxurious bedrooms compliment this incredible setting.”